Mohali, March 26 (IANS) India will face the West Indies in a must-win contest to keep alive their slight chances of qualifying for the Women's World Twenty20 semi-finals at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here on Sunday.
India started their campaign with a comprehensive win against Bangladesh but thereafter lost two consecutive games against arch-rivals Pakistan and England to have their chances to qualify for the semis in more than a spot of bother.
On the other hand, the West Indies come into the match after losing a thriller to England, before beating Bangladesh and Pakistan. They will have the upper hand against India as a win will take them through to the semi-finals. But the hosts have only one game to prove themselves, to remain in the competition.
India who have lost previous matches to England by two wickets and Pakistan by two runs, have to do their homework well before getting ready for their last Group B clash.
India skipper Mithali Raj, who has a good amount of experience at the international level, will aim to deliver yet again on Sunday alongside Vellaswamy Vanitha, Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy with the bat.
In the bowling department, Ekta Bisht, Anuja Patil and Poonam Yadav and vice-captain Jhulan Goswami will be the key.
The West Indies have a balanced side with Stafanie Taylor turning out to be the match-winner with both bat and ball for the team in most outings. Dean Dottin, Healey Matthews and Shaquana Quintyne among others are the ones to watch out for.
The squads:
India: Mithali Raj (captain), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Thirush Kamini, Veda Krishnamurthy, Nagarajan Niranjana, Anuja Patil, Deepti Sharma, Sushma Verma, Ekta Bisht, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Vellaswamy Vanitha.
West Indies: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Stacy-Ann King, Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman, Shemaine Campbelle, Britney Cooper, Afy Fletcher, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Shaquana Quintyne.
